Page 9 of Layla

Peyton was off his call now and rejoined the group. “I can’t wait, either. It’s going to be a lot of fun. And I look forward to making new friends.”

He kept his sights on Courtney as he spoke.

The meaning of his words wasn’t lost on any of them.

Chapter Five

The ceremony was beautiful.

So was the reception, thanks to the perfect weather Texas provided in the spring. Neither cold nor scorching hot as the summer would be, the evening sun was still brilliant as happy guests mingled about the outdoor event center.

Colorful flowers filled the space with a pleasant aroma. The greenery and hedges were perfectly manicured. But none of that was what had Layla so elated.

It was her husband. The man she clung to.

Life was perfect.

It was during one of the few minutes alone that she said quietly, “You know, none of these people know what kind of marriage we’re going to have.”

“Going to? It’s already started, baby girl.” Kirk winked and then kissed his bride on the forehead.

She wondered if he meant that. Would he pull her aside, somewhere private, and bust her bottom right there if her actions dictated such? Part of her wanted to test the waters just to see. The other part—the larger part—knew better. Why ruin a perfectly beautiful moment? Still, she wondered.

“Besides,” Kirk said, “some of these folks know. I’ve spotted more than a few from Brennan County.”

“That’s right! I saw Sheriff Stone and Margo. They’re the sweetest.”

“Yep. And that little Beatrice is here, too.” He smirked. “That gal is trouble with a capital T. You might need to watch yourself around her. I suspect she’ll get you into some jams if you let her.”

“I’ll be a good girl,” Layla said.

He gently traced his thumb over her cheek before guiding her face forward for a kiss.

A warm feeling suffused through her. She couldn’t wait to move to Brennan County and start their new life together.

First, though, she realized, was the magic of her wedding night.

And of course there was that spanking.

Her bottom was going to get quite the workout very soon.

***

“Your speech was great.”

Peyton’s chiseled face lit up in a half-grin as he raised his champagne flute to Courtney.

She blushed slightly and said, “Yours was great, too.”

He shrugged. “What can I say? We killed it today.”

She laughed. “Humble.”

“I’m not trying to brag,” he said, “but we are slaying.”

She laughed even louder before clinking her glass against his. “We are, aren’t we?”

He nodded and they both took a sip.

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